This section describes several ways to insert a picture from an external source into the presentation. Once the picture has been inserted, it can be formatted extensively as explained later in this chapter.

Inserting a picture from a file

Inserting a picture from a file is quick and easy. If the layout of the slide already contains a placeholder for a graphic, double-click anywhere in the graphics frame. This opens a dialog for selecting the file to be inserted. The detailed procedure is given below.

Slide with automatic layout including a placeholder for graphic object.

Whether you are using an AutoLayout for the placement of the picture, or you are just inserting a picture, follow these steps:

In the Insert Picture dialog, browse to the directory containing the desired picture.

Select the file. OOo recognizes a very large number of image types.

Click Open to place the picture on the current (selected) slide. The picture is now displayed on the slide with green resizing handles around it.

Inserting a picture from a file.

Notice in the Insert picture dialog the two checkboxes called Link and Preview. Their position is determined by the operating system, but they are normally in the bottom part of the dialog.

If Preview is checked, and if the selected file is in one of the many formats that OOo recognizes, a thumbnail of the selected image shows in the preview area on the right.

Select the Link checkbox to insert the picture as a link to the file rather than embedding the file itself. In general it is preferable to embed images so that the presentation can be copied to other computers, however on some occasions it makes sense to link the image rather than embed it:

When the image file is quite large (linking rather than embedding will dramatically reduce the size of the presentation file)

When the same image file is used in many presentations (for example when using the same background image for all the presentations created)

When the linked file will be available when loading the presentation (for example if the presentation is a slide show of holiday pictures)

Inserting a picture from a scanner

Inserting an image from a scanner is normally fairly straightforward. Make sure that the scanner is supported by the SANE system if you are running the Linux (or other UNIX-like) operating system, or TWAIN if you are using a Windows version, and that it is already configured on the machine on which OOo is running. In case more than one scanner or equivalent device are present, select the source from Insert > Picture > Scan > Select Source.

To insert an image from the scanner:

Prepare the image in the scanner and make sure that the scanner is ready.

Select Insert > Picture > Scan > Request.

The rest of the procedure depends on the scanner driver and interface. You will normally be required to specify the resolution, a scan window and other parameters. Consult the scanner's documentation for more information.

When the image is ready, Impress places it in the slide. At this point it can be edited as any other image.

Inserting a picture from the Gallery

The Gallery contains a collection of images that you can use in a presentation. You can also add your own images to the Gallery, making it an essential tool for creating presentations quickly and with a consistent look. The Gallery is available in all components of OpenOffice.org. For an introduction to the Gallery, see Chapter 14 (Working with the Gallery) in the Getting Started guide.

Select Tools > Gallery or click the Gallery icon on the Drawing toolbar.

By default, the Gallery is docked above the Impress workspace. To expand the Gallery, position the pointer over the line that divides it from the top of the workspace. When the pointer changes to parallel lines with arrows, click and drag downward. The workspace will resize in response.

The Gallery with the Hide/Show selector circled.

To expand the Gallery without affecting the Impress workspace, undock it so it floats over the workspace. To do so, hold down the Control key and double-click on the upper part of the Gallery next to the View icons. Double-click in the same area to dock it again (restore it to its position over the workspace).

When the Gallery is docked, to hide it and view the full Impress workspace, click the Hide/Show button in the middle of the thin bar separating the Gallery from the workspace. The Hide/Show button lets you keep the Gallery open for quick access while you create your slide show, yet out of the way when you need it to be. Additional information on the use of the Gallery can be found in Managing the Gallery themes.

Once you are satisfied with the Gallery display, select a theme from the left pane and then scroll as necessary through the right pane to find a suitable image. Click on the image and drag it onto the workspace.

The figure below shows an example of an image dragged from the Gallery.

inline:Frame1.png

At this point the image will be in your slide, but may not be of a satisfactory size; if necessary, re-size it as described in Resizing a picture.